St. John Francis Regis

Parent - Student Handbook

2007/2008 School Year
 

TABLE   OF   CONTENTS

    -

 Mission Statement for Saint Regis School

Believing that each child is a unique creation of God, and that we must return to Him, our aim is to educate the whole person through a God centered curriculum.  We strive to create a community in which students may grow in love of God, life, others, and education.  Realizing that parents are the primary teachers of their children, the school seeks to complement and reinforce religious truths and values beginning in the home.  Moreover, Saint Regis School provides and encourages opportunities for service according to the age-level of the child.

Goals and Objectives

To make faith become living, conscious, and active for each child:
        1. Through daily religious instruction
        2. By liturgical and Para-liturgical celebrations
        3. Through meetings with parents concerning religious instructions
        4. By building Christian Community among faculty, among faculty and students,
            and between students

To meet each child's unique academic need:
        1. By providing continuity in teaching the basic skills
        2. By providing enrichment and creative activities

To enable children to develop a personal responsibility  for the needs of others:
        1. Through Christ-like living of teachers and students
        2. By instilling Christian values and the moral code on which the survival of our
            our society demands
        3. By respecting the school Disciplinary Code

St. Regis School Philosophy

 
ABOUT THE STUDENTS:
    *  All students are special, unique, and valuable.
    *  All students can succeed and learn.
    *  All students can develop a sense of responsibility for their own behavior.
    *  All students need to value (respect) themselves and others.

ABOUT LEARNING:
    *  Learning is achieved  by all students at different rates
    *  Learning is a life-long process for all ages.
    *  Learning takes place through a variety of techniques and  presentations that 
       meet the interest of children.
    *  Learning requires work and commitment, and can only take place in an
       atmosphere of  trust, acceptance, and support found in the St. Regis community

ABOUT TEACHING:
    *  Teachers facilitate and guide the learning process based on students' needs,
       interests, and curriculum objectives
    *  Effective teaching is an on-going, ever-changing, upgrading process.
    *  Teaching enables students to accept responsibility for their own learning.

It is our job to create a safe positive environment.

School Council

School Council members are parishioners selected from nominations tendered by the parish community to represent the wide diversity of the St. Regis School Community.  The principal is also a member of this council.  Acceptance of this appointment signifies a commitment to the importance of the school and their role in the future of the school.  The group was formed in the Spring of 1987 and the members met in the summer of that year formulating their own mission statement and goals. 

Information and details relative to the St. Regis School Council is contained in the Parish Councils section of this website. Select School Council to find the Mission Statement, Goals, Membership, and recurring School Council Meeting Minutes detail.

School Newsletter

Parent-Teacher Communications

Conflict Resolution Process

Admissions Policy 

Priorities of admission to St. Regis school will be as follows: 

Pre-Registration 

Pre-registration for all students will be as follows:

Religious Instruction  

 Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)

We hope that you will work with this association in order to make St. Regis School all that it can be for your child/children.  The PTO manages all of the fundraising to meet your obligation.

For the 2007-2008 school year PTO board  members; Titles/Names School Fundraisers titles and schedule dates when known, please select the following  title 2007-2008 PTO . 

Fundraising

All fundraising is facilitated through the PTO who will provide families with quarterly statements explaining the amount raised and the remaining balance. Fundraising buyout may be paid monthly with tuition.

School Hours

The school day begins at 8:00am and ends at 2:50pm.  For safety purposes, no student is allowed to wait unsupervised either before or after school.  Extended Care is available for families who need before or after-school supervision for their children.  Information on Extended Care can be obtained by contacting the Early Childhood Center at 763-6565.

Attendance

If your child/children are going to be absent or late, parents should call the School Office before 9:15am each day they will be absent.  Students arriving in the classroom after 8:00am will be considered tardy for that day.

Procedures for appointments during the school day:

Procedures for illness during the day:

Please keep your child home if there is evidence of illness, sore throat, fever, nausea, swollen glands, abdominal pain, watering eyes, etc.  A child should be without fever twenty-four (24) hours before returning to school. parents will be notified.

Tardy Policy

Our goal at St. Regis is to have every student in their seats and ready to start class promptly at 8:00am.  In the event you arrive after 8:00 am, always come into the building and sign your child in at the office. 

  To decrease the number of tardy students we have set forth the following policy applying to each quarter:

*  1st Tardy ~~ note from classroom teacher
*  2nd Tardy ~~ note from principal requesting a family conference
*  3rd Tardy ~~ recess detention and possible lowering grade in first class

Documentation will be kept in the school office in the child's permanent records.

"Sample"
First Tardy Notification

Today (date) ___________, your child __________________, arrived in the classroom after 8:00am.  This is his/hers ________(# of tardies) tardy this quarter.
For the benefit of your student and all the students at St. Regis we require all students to be in their classrooms and be ready to begin instruction on time.  Please review our Tardy Policy and return this form to school tomorrow.
     Sincerely:     Classroom Teacher ____________________
                         Principal's Signature ___________________

                         Parent's Signature  _________________
                         (please sign and return) 

Family Vacations

The School realizes that some families can take their vacations only during the school year.  Should such a situation be necessary during the school year, the teacher will maintain a record of all work that the students need to make up as a result of the absence.  Absent work should be completed with the guidance of the faculty and administration.  

Statement of Non-Discrimination  

St. Regis School admits students, in accordance with its priority, of any sex, race, color, national and/or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities accorded to students of the school.

Child Protection & Reformation Act

St. Regis School abides by the state Child Protection and Reformation Act (RSMO 219) that requires school personnel having reasonable cause to believe that a child known to them in their professional capacity may be an abused or neglected child must report to the Missouri Department of Family Services.   (Standard III: section 3.8 of Missouri Chapter, National Federation of Nonpublic Schools State Accrediting Association).  All volunteers are required to attend an in-service sponsored by the Diocese called "Protecting God's Children".

Tithing - Tuition & School Fees   

We depend on the financial assistance of all our families to take seriously the commitment of paying for their children's education.  The St. Regis School Council, and Parish Council established a fee structure in January 2002. For school year 2007-2008 tuition is as follows:

Each family will be given a monthly financial statement of their account.  If fees are not paid for each quarter, the student will not be readmitted for the next quarter.  If fees are not paid for the fourth quarter, the student will not be readmitted for the fall semester.  Transcripts of records will not be sent to another school until fees are paid.  Additionally, students will not be assigned to classes for a new school term unless all fees have been paid in full and the fundraising obligation from the previous year has been met.  For 8th grade students who are the last child in the family all fees must be paid in full by May 1st in order for the students to participate in graduation ceremonies and activities. 

School Supplies

Each grade will be provided a school supply list.  The supply list can also be found on the Parish/School website, www.regischurch.com .  School supplies may be purchased by parents at stores of their choice or through the school PTO.  The PTO conducts an ordering program near the end of the school year for the upcoming year. At Back to School Night, middle school students must purchase from the school an organizing system which includes binder, folders, notebook paper and pencil bag.

Academics

The students of St. Regis have a reputation for their academic excellence.  In order to continue that tradition, we ask you as parents to take an interest in what your children are doing in school.  Formal progress reports will be distributed approximately four weeks before the end of each quarter.  However, parents may request a progress report at any time for their child.  Please make an appointment with a teacher to request this.

The following is the grading scale of St. Regis School for the students in grades 4 - 8:

First Honors        ....3.7 GPA., no grade lower than a C
Second Honors    ....3.0 -3.69 GPA., no grade lower than a C
Each student must have a cumulative (all 4 quarters) grade point average (GPA) above a D+ or they may be required to repeat the grade.

Students in grades Kindergarten through grade 3 (and in computer class through grade 5) are evaluated using criteria that is developmentally appropriate per grade level as well as recognizing the cognitive abilities of students as individuals.

Student_Retention_Policy

In order to maintain our standards for students we require that in order to advance to the next grade level in Junior High, a student must receive a C- cumulative average (1.8 GPA). If a student fails to meet this standard for three quarters, the Junior High staff and the principal will decide whether the student is eligible to move on.  It is important that students learn and understand the material presented in the grade, if they are to succeed in the next grade level and eventually in High School.  St. Regis holds its standard of academic excellence for its students as a top priority and is determined to help each student succeed.

Late Work Policy for Middle School Students

Homework and Projects are expected to be turned in on the teacher's assigned dates.  Any exception is at the teacher's discretion after careful consideration of the circumstances. Work assigned during absences should be collected from the school office and completed with guidance of faculty and administration.

 Academic Eligibility

Students must be passing all of their academic subjects each week with a minimum grade of C-(74%)  or above in order to participate in extracurricular activities.  An ineligibility list will be presented to the Office on a weekly basis (by Tuesday morning).  A list of students who are ineligible will be furnished to the Athletic Director and the coaches (or sponsor of the activity).  If an ineligible student plays in an athletic contest, the team will forfeit the game. Academic ineligibility runs from Tuesday to Monday and each week is a new week.
 EXAMPLE: If your child receives a warning the first week and nothing the 2nd week, but receives a grade below a C the third week, he/she is warned again.  Students will receive a warning the first week, giving them an opportunity to correct the deficit(s).  If the problem has not been solved by the second week, they will be ineligible and cannot play.  If the student brings their grade up, they will not receive a form and therefore are eligible to play.
EXAMPLE:  If your child receives below a C- in Math, the first week he/she is warned, but still allowed to play.  If your child brings the Math grade up, but receives below a C- in Science, he/she will be ineligible and not allowed to play.  These forms must be signed by the parent and returned to the principal the following day.  If a student receives 3 consecutive ineligibility notices, that student will be dropped from the team roster.
This policy includes but is not limited to athletics, talent show and student choir.

Use of Library Materials

As children check  books out, the condition of the book is evaluated and a due date is stamped on the book.  Lost and books damaged beyond repair, are the responsibility of the student.  A note will be sent home indicating the amount due.  Once a student has paid for a damaged book, the book is given to the student.  We cannot give refunds if a lost book is later found because a replacement has already been ordered. 

Inclement Weather

We will close when the Southeast Jackson County Catholic Schools are closed.  Please do not call the Rectory or Convent.   Once classes are in session, the School will not dismiss early, but parents are welcome to pick students up if they so desire.  Exceptions to this procedure will be handled by a telephone chain.  In case of severe thunderstorms or tornado warnings, children will be kept in school, since we have adequate protection. 

School Dress Code

GIRLS

BOYS

Any variation of the St. Regis uniform will be dealt with at the discretion or the teacher and the administration.
We ask that parents label all clothing as sweatshirts and jackets are often left behind in the classrooms, lunchrooms and playground.  We hope to return lost items to the rightful owner!

The St. John Francis Regis Uniform Code is in effect from the time students arrive on campus until students leave the campus at the end of the school day unless otherwise directed by the school office. 

Uniform Violations

First Offense:  A deficiency slip will be sent home and must be signed and returned by the parent/guardian.

Second Offense:  There will be a $5.00 fine.

Third Offense:  The parent/guardian will be called and the student will be assessed a fine of $10.00.

Spirit Days/Casual Dress Days 

The first Friday of the month is Casual Dress Day.  On these days, students may be out of uniform although appropriate clothing is still required.
The following are unacceptable.

  Often there will be a student council sponsored theme for the day and a small fee collected for a designated charity or school sponsored event.  These days will be announced in the school newsletter and students will be reminded over the intercom the day prior to casual dress day.
 

Hot Lunch Program

The school offers a hot lunch program for the students.  An information sheet will be sent home with students during the first week of school.  Students who forget their lunch money will be issued an IOU.  The school participates in the School Milk Program which allows the student to purchase milk at a subsidized price. 

Lunch-Milk
Individual lunch - $3.00
Lunch tickets - $12.50 (5 days)  $25.00 (10 days)
IOU's - $3.50 each (Only two IOU's will be given -- and $7.00 must be paid before
                             purchasing a new meal ticket)
*Milk tickets are purchased at the beginning of the school year; cost is based
  on federal funding.

Student Use of Phones

The principal requests that our school phone lines be used for school business.  The exception to this is an emergency.  The only phone available to students at this time is the red phone in the teacher workroom (when accompanied by an adult) or on Mrs. Chichuk's desk.  Family plans, to include rides, sports practice and social engagements should be confirmed prior to the start of the school day. 
Cell phones are for emergency use only and must be turned off during school hours and be kept in backpack or purse until after school.  Parents should contact the school office in case of an emergency and not call the student's cell phone during school hours.

Dance and Social Policy

Policy of Southeast POD Schools for dances and/or social activities:
This policy will be determined by the participating schools during the first quarter and information will be sent home with the students in grades seven and eight. In order to be eligible to participate in a school (diocesan) activity or athletic event the student must be present on the day of or the Friday before (in case of a weekend) unless the absence is not due to illness.

Children's Birthdays:
With teacher's approval a small treat may be brought to a child's classroom provided there is enough for every child.  The teacher will help supervise the distribution of the treats... Invitations to private parties may NOT be distributed at school UNLESS everyone in the class is receiving one!

Extra Equipment/Games:
Students should not bring CD players, tape players, hand-held video games, cell phones, pagers, trading cards, or additional play items to school.  Any inappropriate item will be confiscated and returned at the end of the school year. The exception to this policy occurs when an arrangement has been made with the specific teacher for a class activity.

Health Services

The 'Health Room' will be staffed by a health room aide each day from 9:30am until 1:30pm  The Health Room office will make periodic checks of the children's eyes, hearing, etc. and maintain your child's health records in accordance with state and local regulations.  The school complies with the health law of the State of Missouri regarding immunizations.

The School immunization Rule was revised and has been effective since July 30, 1999.  The changes include:  requiring three doses of hepatitis B (HB) for students entering 7th grade;  requiring 4 doses of diphtheria tetanus and pertussis (DTaP/DTP) vaccine for students entering kindergarten.  The last dose must have been received on or after the child's 4th birthday;  A chart of immunization requirements is provided below and requirements are listed by grade category.

Prescription Medication:
Prescription medication will be dispensed only if:
    1.  Medication is in a prescription container
    2.  Written authorization is on file in the health room  

Non-Prescription Medication:
Non-Prescription medication may not be dispensed by the school without written authorization of a student's physician and parent/guardian.  This permission may be per event or annually.

Immunization Chart

  *Hepatitis  'B':

For those students in grades K thru 5, and 7 thru 10 who have not completed the Hepatitis B series the following schedule may be used as a guide for those "In Progress."
-- initial visit............................dose 1
-- 1 month after dose 1............dose 2
-- 5 months after dose 2..........dose 3

Students in grades 7 thru 10 (11 through 15 yrs of age) may use the following as a guide for the 2-dose Hepatitis B vaccine schedule:
-- Initial visit............................dose 1
-- 4 to 6 months after dose 1....dose 2

 **Td Booster: may be given five years after the last DTaP/DTP.
All students must present documentation of month, day, and year of each immunization.  Students must present immunization record to school, and all immunizations must be up-to-date before being permitted to attend classes.  To remain in school, students "in progress" (Imm.P.14) must receive immunizations as soon as they become due.  Religious (Imm.P.11a) and Medical (Imm.P.12) exemptions will  be allowed.

Section of Vaccine-Preventable and Tuberculosis Disease Elimination
1-800-699-2313

Recess

Recess is an integral part of the school day for our students.  Recess allows needed activity, physical conditioning and social interaction.  If for some reason your child is too ill to be outdoors, it is best that the child remain at home recuperating for an additional day.

Field Trips

If a field trip is to be taken, notice will be given explaining the nature of the trip and asking the parent's permission for the child.  Permission slips will be sent home by the teacher and should be returned as soon as possible.  No student will be allowed to go on a field trip without the permission form signed by the parent/guardian.  If volunteers are needed, a request will be issued.  Transportation will be arranged by the teacher planning the field trip.  A fee may be charged to defray costs of the trips.  An alternative educational plan is not provided if a student does not go on a field trip.  The student would be placed in another classroom during the time the rest of the class is away from school.

Safety

Fire and tornado drills, as well as any of our crisis plans, are conducted periodically.  It is very important that all safety drills be conducted in silence.  Crisis plans are available in the school office.

Parking Lot Policy

Procedures for dropping off and picking up students is a separate pamphlet to be distributed at back to school night in August.

Walking TO and FROM school:
1.  Go directly to and from school
2.  Refuse to enter strange automobiles
     (Parents, discuss the potential dangers with your children)
3.  Observe all traffic lights, including the one in front of the church.
4.  Obey all instructions from teachers and/or the safety patrol.
5.  Walk on sidewalks in single file next to the curb.  DO NOT cut across yards or
     private property.
6.  Students who walk home from school at the end of the day MUST cross the street
     with the teacher on dismissal duty.
7.  PARENTS:  If your child needs to go to O'Hara we must have written consent
                       stating who will be responsible for the child once they arrive at O'Hara.

Bicycle Riders:
    -- Please note: skateboards and roller blades are not allowed.
The same rules that apply to those walking, apply to the bike riders, plus the following:
1.  It is advisable to chain and lock bicycles.
2.  RIDING of bicycles on the parking lot is prohibited.

Playground

Teachers and supervisors will supervise the playground at noon and recess periods.
Playground behavior:
1.  Respond to the recess monitor's directions promptly.
2.  Respect those in charge on the playground.
3.  When recess is over, line up promptly and walk to the school entrance.
4.  Good sportsmanship is expected at all times.
5.  All students should be allowed to play (unless there is a 'detention' or 'Time Out').
6.  NO rough playing or fighting.  This includes tackle football.
7.  Students must play in assigned areas.
8.  No public expression of affection.

Behavioral Expectations

The purpose of St. Regis is to aid parents in the students' formation as educated Christians in the Roman Catholic tradition.  The desire is for students to feel safe and secure as well as loved and respected by adults and peers.

The Behavioral Expectations of St. John Francis Regis is built around the three  R's:  Religion, Respect, and Responsibility.

In order to build a community of Gospel values incorporating the three 'R's, the following expectations have been established:

*  Each classroom will establish a set of rules and regulations to ensure the three "R"s. 

*  The following will be demonstrated on the school property at all times:
        1.  Kindness toward self and others in words and body language
        2.  Polite and courteous behavior at all times
        3.  Demonstration of care for others feelings and property
*  To ensure respect for maintaining St. Regis property the following apply:
        1.  GUM, POP, CANDY, and ALL OTHER FOOD is not allowed on the grounds
             directly before, during or directly following  school.
             Violation results in a $20.00 fine.  If the fine is not paid, the student will
             immediately go to "In School Suspension (ISS).
             (Exception - Orthodontist's excuse to relieve pain for one day following an
             orthodontist's appointment if a dated note from the orthodontist is presented.)
        2.  SNACKS may only be eaten in classrooms (not hallways) at the designated
             times. 
             Junior High is  allowed to have snacks.
 
             THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES MUST BE FOLLOWED FOR SNACKS

There will be no sharing of snacks.  Snacks must be eaten in the classroom where snack time is provided. No snacks are to be eaten in other classes or in hallways.
Violation results in a $5.00 fine paid the following day.  If the fine is  not paid, the student will immediately go to "In School Suspension"
 (ISS).

It is the responsibility of the entire St. Regis community to model acceptable behavior.  Our goal is for students to utilize their experiences to develop into responsible caring adults.  Certain behaviors qualify as seriously unacceptable behaviors and should not be tolerated within the school community on or off the school grounds.  Among those behaviors, but not limited exclusively to, are the following violations with the defined consequences.  (Administrative Manual: Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph)

Unacceptable Behaviors #1-4

Consequences:

1. Disrespect for any adult or peer: Insubordinate behavior, refusal to obey reasonable directions or defiance of staff authority.

2. Abusive or Unacceptable language: Use of hate language to demean other persons due to their race, gender, disability, or national origin etc.  This includes verbal, written or symbolic speech or actions that are harmful to others.  Profane or obscene language is included.

3. Any gang behavior or activity: This includes language, gestures, symbols and/or dress that imitate gangs or secret groups.

4. Cheating or plagiarism: Attempting to take credit for the written work or ideas of another person/author.

Unacceptable Behaviors #5-13

Consequences:

All of the following violations will begin with an immediate (within a few hours of the incident) student/parent conference at the school.

Out-of-school suspension ranging from 1-10 days or in some cases immediate expulsion may occur determined at the discretion of the administration depending on the severity and reoccurrence of the offense or combination of offenses.

1. Fighting:  Physically striking another person resulting in contact with any part of the body.

2. Bullying:  Intimidating by harassing with ridicule, criticism or threat (written, verbal, physical, gestures) to achieve power over another.  This includes encouraging or witnessing an assault (fight) without contacting an adult.

3. Bringing onto school property or concealing on his/her person CD players, IPODS, cell phones, or other electronic device, illegal substances, pornographic material, laser pointers or weapons or facsimiles thereof.  Items will be taken away and returned at the end of the school year.

4. Willful destruction of school property - Vandalism:  Intentional damage or attempt to damage property belonging to the staff, students, or school.

5. Stealing:  Non-consequential possession, taking or attempting to take the property of another.

6. Making threats regarding the safety of students or staff, or regarding the destruction of property:  Intentionally harassing by ridicule, criticism or threat (written, verbal, physical, gestures) to do bodily harm.  This includes encouraging or witnessing an assault (fight) without contacting an adult.  All threats will be taken seriously.

7. Pervasive attitude of generalized disregard for the school personnel or property.

8. Sexual Harassment: Use of sexually intimidating language, object or pictures.  Unwanted physical touching of another student particularly in private body areas (buttocks, breasts or genitals).

9. Improper displays of affection.

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THE 2007-2008 Parents & Students Buzz Book is NOT included
here on this web site to protect the privacy
of our students and families